Capture the sound of your voice, especially the subtleties

Sound engineers, producers, editors, and enthusiasts are constantly striving to find new and better ways of doing things. In their relentless and never ending pursuit of a better tone, they start by finding the best type of microphone to use when running live sound or doing conference setups.

The key to a good live performance always starts with capturing the natural vocal tone of the singer or speaker, blending in the resonance and reverberation of the performance space, giving the listener an amazing listening experience.

This mastery is achieved with a seasoned understanding of where in the EQ spectrum the vocals fall, identifying frequencies to shape the sound you’re looking for, understanding what role the instruments play, and knowing where each should be placed in the mix.

If you can’t get the sound you’re looking for, hire a professional sound engineer of your own and pay them to coordinate the equipment, backline, sound check, and mixing during the performance. You’ll be glad you did so.

When selecting a microphone, trust your ears

While it’s true that sound is subjective, the best advice is that the ideal microphone should be versatile in it’s able to capture low frequencies while keeping mid-to-high clear and distinct.

So when testing out microphones, if you like the way it sounds, then it’s the right mic for you. And as a general rule, features built into more expensive vocal microphones are designed to reduce the pop, breath, and handling noises you’re likely to experience with less expensive mics.

Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic Microphones are the most common types of Vocal Microphones such as the Shure SM57 and the Shure SM58.

The legendary Shure SM57 is exceptional for vocals. With its bright, clean sound and contoured frequency response, the SM57 is ideal for live sound reinforcement and recording.

Tuned to accentuate the warmth and clarity of lead and back-up vocals, the SM58 is a legendary live vocal microphone known for its rugged reliability on tour.

Condenser Microphones

Condenser microphones have always been the preferred type for studio recordings. Powerful and rich in detail, condenser microphones are the ideal choice when the vocals really have to cut through.

The Sennheiser e945 lead vocal stage microphone is made for the working musician and the first choice for rental companies. It is specially designed to perform under pressure while exhibiting a naturally smooth response.

Getting your hands on the right equipment is priceless

Taylor Productions has a variety of top of the line new and used equipment, and personnel who have a great understanding of all the gear and are there to guide you through the basics and through troubleshooting.

If you are considering purchasing or renting vocal equipment, call Taylor Productions today.

Having a reliable audio system, staging and backline gear for waterside concerts, festivals, and parties comes with special concerns when the elements threaten to get involved. Outdoor festivals and events around Lower Manhattan and New Jersey may be subjected to unpredictable rain, hail, and high winds that could be disastrous to your equipment. Outdoors shows exposed to the weather are not a big deal if you are prepared. The threat of inclement weather paired with a unique venue may require you to put just as much energy into protecting your sound gear as you did in staging it.

Unexpected weather can happen at any venue. Exposure to water or salt can be disastrous to your equipment which could short out or fail altogether. If your gear is powered by sensitive electronics don’t count on it not being affected by moisture and condensation caused by wet conditions.

Salt and water damage can be irreversible. So either view the equipment you want to bring as expendable, or rent or buy a kit for the show. And don’t forget to use the proper type of water-rated electrical cabling. The best protection for your equipment is when it’s safe from the elements, is designed to travel, is well maintained and is in peak operating condition.

A little rain on the microphone is not a problem. Mics need to be dried off as soon as possible. If you put them away wet they may rust and have mold grow on them.

For weather resistance, cover speaker stacks and monitors with thin plastic bags (they let the sound through and keep the water out). Secure plastic covers and tarps in place when the wind intensity increases to help avoid rips or tears. If speakers are not properly protected, pooling water will damage speaker cones and cause mold to grow in drivers. Be sure to dry them out as soon as possible.

If you don’t have bags to protect monitors, turn them over when it starts to rain. Cover microphones, soundboards, amplifiers, and other electronic equipment with tarps or plastic. Plastic bread bags slip easily over a down turned microphone.

If your electrical system is wired properly, a wet mic is not a safety hazard. Remember – when people’s skin gets wet it conducts electricity better. Proper system grounding is essential. Make sure everything is grounded and make sure there are no shock hazards. Inspect all outlets that the sound system and stage gear are powered from for proper wiring.

SAFETY FIRST. If electricity is exposed to the elements, if lightening is present, cancel the gig. Equipment damage is secondary to injury. Systematically power down and disconnect everything. Wet surfaces also increase your chances of slip and falls so be careful.

After the event, you’ll need to completely wipe off and dry out the insides of your audio equipment as soon as possible. To be completely sure, it’s best to disassemble each piece of gear to give the interior and circuit boards a thorough cleaning and a chance to dry out. Salt will slowly erode the electrical connections inside, so don’t delay cleaning.

If you are lucky, rain will only be temporary, and the show will continue once things dry off.

Questions to Consider Before You Buy Audio Equipment

You can spend the time searching and reading online reviews for the best models of equipment to fit your budget and needs, or you can trust Taylor Productions to help you determine whether you should rent or buy audio equipment designed to fit your New York and New Jersey events.

With technology changing daily, the decision to rent or buy an audio system is a big one. How do you determine if buying audio equipment is a worthwhile investment? How do you know if renting only the pieces of equipment you actually need rather than buying an entire sound system is a more practical solution? Or maybe you should buy the gear you know you’ll use often, and rent what you need to fill in the gaps?

If you’re a business, organization, agency, event or meeting planner, small theater, or a local congregation, answering the following questions will help you make this decision. By taking into account your current and future needs and capabilities, Taylor Productions is here to help you determine whether you should rent or buy audio equipment that fits your event. Drop us a line or call 631-569-5165 to speak to a real person.

Is it better to rent a sound system or buy one?

Every event is different. Determine your budget.

Is the equipment you need for one event also needed for other events?

How often will you be using the equipment? The answer to this determines if you will get your money’s worth out of each piece of equipment. And if you own a piece of equipment and use it often, eventually it will need repairing or replacing. How will you address that?

How many events do you produce each year?

What size is your event?

Is it a one time event or a long term weekly event?

Will you use this equipment on a regular basis?

How long is your event?

Do you need state of the art technology?

Are you replacing a piece of equipment or buying something new?

What’s your budget? Cheap gear is nice at first, but it doesn’t sound as good and tends to break down more frequently.

How often will you use the equipment?

Can you use the equipment for more than one type of event?

Is it a “permanent” installation, or will you need to set it up and tear it down for each event?

Who will operate the equipment?

Who will set it up / tear it down?

Is it be a complicated piece of equipment that no one will know how to use?

Will you need a dedicated technician to help out with setup and operation?

Do you know what kind of equipment you need?

Is the event indoors? Outdoors? Both?

What type of acoustical challenges need to be solved?

How large is the event area?

How available is electrical power and outlets?

What problem does the equipment solve?

What solution does the equipment provide?

Which approach is better: components or all-in-one systems?

What is your skill level?

Do you own any of your own gear?

Will the gear remain useful over the years?

Is the technology it uses one that will last?

Which version will you buy – the latest release? An older model? A used model?

How often does the technology change?

How often will it need to be upgraded?

How will the equipment be maintained?

Who will provide the required maintenance?

Who will provide the tech support?

Is the investment worth it?

Do you feel the need to keep up or catch up?

Can you afford this technology?

Can you buy some gear and rent the remaining gear on an as-needed basis?

Is your purchase based on a genuine need or a cultural pressure?

Is your model of choice one that will last?

Is there a less expensive alternative?

Are you buying only what you need?

What will be the additional expenses included in your purchase?

Will this purchase make your life easier?

Can you use it out of the box or does it require special training?

How much time is needed to learn how to properly use it?

Whom can you call for troubleshooting?

Have questions? Consult an expert Taylor Productions 631-569-5165

There are advantages to buying and renting audio equipment

Owning audio equipment means you can use the equipment you need whenever it’s required, and you don’t have to pay or worry about making rentals arrangements every time you need to make a presentation.

Renting offers you unlimited options. If you choose to rent your equipment from our equipment rental service, you can rent only what you need for each event, you will receive well-maintained equipment, and get tech support when you need it, to ensure your event is a success.

In many instances, you’ll be best served with a little bit of both: buy the gear you know you’ll use often, and rent what you need to fill in the gaps.

What audio equipment do you need?

Taylor Productions will help you select the right audio equipment that fits your event.

When the correct system is purchased, additional components naturally falls into place. Select the correct mixer, speakers, microphones, monitors, headphones, amplifiers, pre-amps, receivers, equalizers, stands, all required connectors, adapters, and cables, lights, consoles – you name it. We have the system available to match your needs and to ensure that the event is a success.

We are here to address your concerns and help you to choose the finest, most affordable components for your event. And if needed, we’ll even help you set it up and train you how to distribute the sound around the event space to create the illusion that you’re smack in the middle of the action. It can’t get much better than that! Call us 631-569-5165.

Proper Sound Equipment for a Better Worship Experience

A quality sound system can make a big difference in the worship experience of the congregation. The sermon may be missed with an under-powered sound system. Everyone has been in the situation where a speaker feeds back and releases that hair-curling shriek that results in you jabbing your index fingers into your ears to avoid it. That is why a quality sound system is so important and can make a huge difference in the worship experience of the congregation.

If your sound system is in disrepair or under-powered important points of the sermon may be missed. In addition, poor quality sound can distract and cause a disconnect at crucial moments. Creating the proper sound and lighting environment will help maintain the comfort of church membership, improve their experience and enhance the effectiveness of your message.

If you are struggling with your current sound system or wondering if the equipment you are using has seen better days, read on for a few tips on evaluating and planning changes to your ministry’s sound system.

Is your current audio equipment meeting the needs of the ministry?

Before making equipment decisions take the time to assess your current situation. To find out if your sound system is doing an adequate job, test every scenario that could be required for it to handle. A quick walk through of the seating area with the sound system running can help you determine if the coverage pattern of the speakers is adequate. Take note of any areas that are “dead zones” or areas that have poor quality or where the levels are too low. Is your equipment positioned in the right place? Test for all sound & A/V applications that will be used during services, including voice, background music, video projection, lighting, etc.

Considerations Before You Buy

If you have equipment that is in need of repair or your system just isn’t performing up to par it may be time to upgrade. There are several things to consider before making expensive purchases. Use the guidelines below to help clarify what your sound needs are.

Replace or Repair – A Second Look Can Save Money

Check the equipment you have on hand and make a list of any equipment that is not working. You may be surprised at what you find laying around that can be repaired or reconditioned & used instead of buying new.

Taylor Production technicians can help you determine whether it’s possible or more economical to repair instead of replace. And when you’re ready to replace or upgrade, our trained professional sound designers will guide and help you create the best acoustic environment possible within your budget. Just call or contact Taylor to find out how we can help you make the best choice for your situation and budget.

Your Church – Assess Your Needs

Before making any major investments in sound reinforcement equipment it is important to understand the current specific audio requirements that you have and anticipate how those requirements may change over the future as the congregation grows. Know your needs:

Voice Amplification

Live Music

Background Music

A/V Projection

Lighting

Computer Integration

Getting the Right System in Place

Make a plan 3-5 years into the future. Think of the type of service you run and make a list of specific sound requirements. Take into consideration not only the size of the congregation, the church structure itself, but also all the different types of events that may be housed by the church & what those needs might be.

It’s also important to consider what the audio-visual needs are. Will computers or laptops be used? Flat screen projection? Mixers? Amplifiers?

The audio professionals at Taylor Productions have the expertise to help you properly assess acoustic requirements and can make recommendations on a equipment that will handle all your needs. In addition, our skilled engineers can work with you to ensure all of your “devices” can connect properly to make having background music as easy as a swipe on your smart phone.

Rule Out Non-Equipment Issues

A trained audio expert can properly analyze the room and correct non-equipment issues like improper wiring or installation and poor speaker placement. Sometimes problems can be fixed or at least greatly improved without the need to replace equipment at all. In addition, older equipment can sometimes be reconditioned, it’s usable life extended. Before investing in new equipment it is worth assessing what you have on hand.

Training and Ongoing Support

It’s not uncommon for a church to utilize volunteers to run their sound systems. Having operators trained in the basic operation of sound reinforcement equipment can help events run smoothly and keep the community happy. We provide on-site training so you are successful running the equipment and that knowledge can be passed on within your organization making the investment more cost effective.

Even if your budget is limited, upgrading a major component instead of the whole system – like the speakers, for example – can improve the quality of your sound without sacrificing your entire operating budget. Having professional input to help with this type of evaluation can save money and help you build a lasting system and create an ally you can count on when you need advice to face future equipment decisions.

At Taylor we pride ourselves on listening and making whatever we recommend fit your situation and budget.

Create a Plan

Most church A/V groups are tasked with making the best within limited budgets. Our engineers can help you identify and create a “must have” replacement list that can be balanced with more long-range improvement goals.

We can help put together a comprehensive capital expense plan that can be presented to church leadership to help them anticipate & budget for audio equipment & training needs in the future.

A professional sound engineer/designer will save you money by steering you away from solutions that exceed your needs and trends that do little to build reliability into your system. They can also help you properly evaluate, prioritize & create a plan to work towards a quality system that is within your budget. Without an accurate evaluation and the data it yields it’s difficult to determine the best solution or know how to budget for the future.

We Make Recommendations to Help You Make Decisions

It doesn’t matter how inspired a service is if half of the congregation can’t hear it or is distracted by feedback. That is why it’s important to research and invest in good quality audio equipment. As with many other things you get what you pay for and cheaper is not always better.

Having a working relationship with experts you can trust will save you the headache of making that all important investment only to find that what you purchased cannot provide the sound amplification needed or doesn’t interface with your computer.

In Conclusion

Don’t wait for a catastrophic equipment failure to review and plan for your audio needs in the future. Many factors can cause your system to become outdated; growth, the need to integrate with peripheral devices, equipment failure or inadequacy. Establishing a relationship with a local audio/video/lighting professional is key to ensuring your congregation will receive your message in the best possible acoustic environment.

If you have questions about your current audio system we are here to help.

Call Taylor Productions 631-569-5165 or use the form below to contact us.

631-569-5165

Serving New York City, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Kings, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Richmond, Rockland, Orange, Putnam Counties in New York; Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Union Counties in New Jersey. If you have questions or are outside of these shorelines call us to see if we can make it work.